Category Archives: Ford

Ford to recall more pickup trucks

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Ford is again recalling a slew of pickup trucks, just days after the automaker was forced to call back many used Ford F-150s for a problem related to airbags.

The new recalls include 23,688 Ford Rangers from 2010, specifically those equipped with the 2.3-liter engine. In addition, nearly 15,000 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Edge and Lincoln MKX models are being called back for a second time.

For the Rangers, the issue appears to be with the fuel lines. The automaker says that a protective layer near the lines may not properly be installed. Eventually, this could potentially cause a fuel leak, although the company has received no reports of fires thus far.

The second grouping of vehicles are related to issues with the body control module (BCM). Ford believes that an electrical short within the BCM could potentially cause a fire – but again, no problems have been reported. A similar subset of vehicles was recalled in December, but the automaker believes that an issue with the vehicle diagnostic systems may have caused some trucks to be missed.

Last week, Ford announced a recall for 135,000 F-150s due to an airbag that could inadvertently deploy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration previously requested Ford to recall 1.3 million pickup trucks, but the automaker claimed only 135,000 were affected. The two groups are currently determining whether the recall was sufficient or if more action needs to be taken.

Consumer Reports releases Automakers Report Card

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

Consumer Reports has revealed the results of its Annual Automakers Report Card, and while the top and bottom spots remained the same, there was a bit of a shuffle in the middle.

Honda once again topped the list, with the automaker scoring an overall rating of 74. The ratings are compiled after the magazine tests each vehicle at nearly 50 different data points. The scores for each vehicle are then averaged across the entire fleet, giving a ranking for the automaker as a whole.

Despite not nearly generating the sales interest that the major brands do, Subaru was able to earn second place with a score of 73. That beat out the largest automaker in the world, Toyota, which scored a 71 overall.

The most improved automaker was Ford, with the company noting that the brand had made some major jumps in reliability. The manufacturer scored a 67, good enough for fifth place on the report.

Other domestic automakers didn't fare so well. Chrysler was once again in last place with a score of 43, while General Motors was next-to-last at 56. Despite this, the guide did have a few encouraging words, noting that many of the companies' new models were promising, but the older cars dragged their average down.

Drivers interested in any of these brands may want to pay a visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction, where they'll find a wide range of both new and used cars for sale at affordable prices.

Top choices for off-roaders

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Posted in Ford

In the early part of this decade, consumers looking for an SUV would have had no trouble finding a wide array of options to choose from. While that's still somewhat true today, many automakers have shifted away from traditional SUV models in favor of more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly crossovers.

Although crossovers are popular, fans of off-roading vehicles may bemoan the lack of "utility" in many modern sport utility vehicles. Crossovers are less about off-roading and more about family road trips.

However, full-size SUVs have been making something of a comeback in recent years, as many automakers have reported increased sales for large vehicles in recent months. With that in mind, MSN Autos recently profiled some of the top models – both used and new – that can still conquer the toughest terrain.

The Ford Expedition is one of the classic SUVs that was around during the boom of the late nineties, but drivers might not recognize the vehicle now thanks to all the upgrades that Ford has made. This massive truck has proven its towing capacity in the past and obviously features four-wheel drive to handle any kind of off-roading adventure. With power from a 5.4-liter V8 cranking out 310 horsepower, it's easy to see why this made the news source's list.

Another classic model with a fresh facelift is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The SUV was recently updated, although previous versions are quite versatile as well and can likely be found on the used car market at a discount. The Jeep brand is basically synonymous with off-roading, and the Grand Cherokee is the flagship. However, those who don't want to spend the money may be interested in something a bit smaller, like the Wrangler, which also made the list.

A similar budget option is the Nissan Xterra. These SUVs can typically be found for under $30,000, but still offer drivers plenty of value when it comes to off-roading. The news source recommends the Pro-4X trim level, which features rugged essentials like skid plates, Bilstein shocks and BFGoodrich off-road tires.

Finally, the Toyota 4Runner is still one of the best SUVs on the market. This midsize SUV strikes a nice balance between price and features. To top it off, it was recently redesigned just last year, and the news source notes that it now features a whole host of electronic aids to help handle tough terrain.

Drivers interested in purchasing a rugged off-road vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices. 

Ford recalls F-150s under government pressure

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

Ford has announced that it will recall 144,000 F-150 pickup trucks from the 2005 and 2006 model years for an issue in which the airbag may deploy without cause.

In November 2010, the company was made aware of the issue in a memo from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA requested that Ford look into the issue after it received 238 separate complaints that resulted in 77 injuries.

The government agency recommended that Ford recall all 1.3 million trucks manufactured between 2004 and 2006. However, Ford has limited the recall to a subset of that. According to the company, all of the incidents could be traced to a specific shift at the plant in Norfolk, Virginia. The automaker believes that an airbag wire may have been installed incorrectly, making it liable for a short circuit.

When the vehicle is turned on, it can cause the wire to accidentally trigger the airbag. That means that most of the cases occurred in driveways while the car was stopped, although the NHTSA claims that a few were on public roadways.

The NHTSA has said it will investigate the matter and determine if the limited recall will adequately address the issue.

Drivers interested in a used Ford F-150 may want to avoid the 2005 and 2006 model years for the time being, but they'll be able to find a wide range of other pickup trucks at New Jersey State Auto Auction.

New safety system allows cars to “talk” to each other

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

A new safety system has the potential to prevent a majority of car accidents, according to a preliminary report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ford demonstrated the new technology for federal officials and media members on Tuesday, though it is not the only automaker to be working on the technology. The idea behind the system is to essentially allow cars to "talk" to each other using GPS and WiFi signals. The signals, sent out ten times every second, broadcast the location of a vehicle in relation to others.

That means that when another person runs a red light or is approaching a car at a high rate of speed, the driver can be alerted via a series of automated beeps. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these vehicle-to-vehicle systems could help in 80 percent of crashes that do not involve drunk drivers.

The main drawback to the new system is that it only works if both vehicles are equipped with the sensors, meaning used cars are out of luck. Federal officials are scheduled to meet in 2013 in order to discuss the feasibility of making it a requirement for all new vehicles to have the systems in place. 

Last minute recalls for 2010

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

In a year that has seen more than 19 million recalls, the highest total since 2004, it makes perfect sense that the last day of the year would have several automakers throwing in some last minute safety notices.

Ford issued a minor recall this morning for issues with the new 2011 models of the Ford Edge, Ford F-150 and Lincoln MKX. Turns out that particular versions of these models have an issue with the body control module, which affects the car's electrical system. If these models were to short circuit, the entire electrical system could potentially overheat and cause a fire, according to the company. The recall is pretty small, with less than 15,000 vehicles affected, but the consequences could be disastrous.

Meanwhile, Chrysler's problems affect nearly 150,000 new and used vehicles in total, although they're not quite as serious. A problem with the rear axle on the Ram 1500 requires an extra 20 ounces of lube to be added, which drivers can do either on their own or for free at the dealer. On the Ram 4500 and 5500, a side ball stud on the tie rod could possibly fracture, requiring a replacement to be installed. Finally, the 2009 Dodge Journey has a problem with door-mounted wiring that could ultimately lead to the disabling of the side-impact sensor. That means side-curtain airbags may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Cool cars on a budget

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Posted in Ford, How To

Drivers can compare vehicle specifications and performance as much as they like, but ultimately one of the biggest motivating factors that drive vehicle purchase is simply how "cool" a car is – a highly subjective but nevertheless important quality for cars to have.

In a recent survey by J.D. Power and Associates, the company found that one of the reasons that customers will stay loyal to an automaker is if the vehicles are particularly fun to drive. Rather than focusing on practical reasons like fuel economy or horsepower, the driver was instead looking for an emotional response.

So which cars are cool? That's entirely up to the driver, but there are some cars that nearly everyone agrees on. The vast majority of drivers won't turn down the chance to get behind the wheel of a Mustang, and "lame" isn't often heard to describe James Bond's lineup of Aston Martins.

Yet while many of these no-brainer cool cars are in the luxury or supercar segment, automakers have also been a bit more aggressive with their styling as of late. Kelley Blue Book recently profiled ten cool cars that can all be had for less than $18,000. Drivers should keep in mind that if they instead opt for a used car, they can probably afford a cooler one as well – as long as they don't mind a few miles on it.

One of the prime examples of a cheap but cool car is the recently-launched Ford Fiesta. Ford started the marketing buzz on this machine with a cutting-edge social media movement, and it was reflected in the sales. With a highly-personalized exterior and an eye-catching shape, the Fiesta will turn a few heads without breaking the bank.

For those who want a car that breaks the traditional rules, the Nissan Cube is another affordable option. This box-shaped compact looks like something out of a science-fiction movie and features unorthodox styling, like a wraparound rear window.

Yet a car doesn't need to be unconventional to be considered cool. The Hyundai Elantra Touring edition sticks pretty closely to the established station wagon archetype. Where it really diverts is in the bevy of features that come standard. Drivers will be safe and secure with eight airbags as they rock out to a 172-watt sound system that features MP3 playback and iPod integration.

The common sedan might not be the first thing that drivers think of when they hear the word "cool car" but the news source cites the Honda Civic as a notable exception. The Civic is reliable and practical, with good performance and a reputation for reliability, but it also offers drivers styling that's reminiscent of the cars of the future. Inside, options for Bluetooth, a navigation system and all-leather seating can turn the Civic into a truly cool car.

Ultimately, getting a cool car on a budget will come down to what the driver is looking for, but the wide variety of cars for sale in recent years gives them more options than ever in creating their own cool ride.
 

Ford to debut stop-start technology

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

American automaker Ford has largely shifted to a small-car strategy as of late, focusing marketing efforts on cars like the Fusion and Fiesta while modifying classics like the F-150 and Mustang to offer more fuel efficient rides. The company seems to be furthering that aim by announcing that it hopes to have "stop-start" technology available on all cars for sale by 2012.

The feature is a simple and cost-effective way to decrease the fuel consumption of any vehicle, and is already available on Ford's European models along with the American Ford Escape and Fusion hybrids. By detecting when a vehicle is fully stopped, the feature shuts off the engine in order to reduce the fuel wasted while a vehicle is idling. When the driver presses the accelerator, the engine automatically starts up again with no noticeable lag or delay – similar to a "sleep mode" for an automobile.

With commuters typically forced to come to a stop in heavy traffic and city dwellers dealing with numerous red lights, Ford claims that the technology can increase fuel economy by anywhere between four and 10 percent. The EPA has not yet included stop-start testing in their official fuel efficiency ratings, so the MPGs for any Ford cars that use technology likely won't see a bump for a few more years.

J.D. Power spotlights brand retention

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

Over the years, the automotive industry has learned that car customers can have a wide variety of different reasons for choosing which new or used vehicle that they'll be driving home. Some drivers only stick to used cars, while others are fiercely loyal to a particular brand. Many always buy a pickup, while some stick with American automakers. Beyond these trends there are a wide variety of reasons that drivers choose a car, whether it's resale value, safety, styling or performance.

In an effort to better understand the habits of these consumers, J.D. Power and Associates releases a Customer Retention Study every year that examines what factors a buyer finds appealing about particular brands. Building brand loyalty is one way that automakers ensure repeated sales, so the survey seeks to highlight strengths across an automaker's lineups as well as any weaknesses that they may wish to correct.

What's tricky is that shoppers' preferences can change from year to year. For example, the 2009 edition of the survey highlighted preferences that were highly tied to the tough economy at the time, such as resale value. This year, with the economy steadily improving, drivers flip-flopped in what they wanted out of their vehicle. Drivers citing resale value dropped a full ten percentage points, while "fun to drive" saw a nine-point upswing.

"Now that economic and market conditions have improved somewhat, vehicle owners are increasingly citing emotional, rather than practical, reasons for staying with their vehicle brand or switching to a different one," said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research at J.D. Power and Associates. "In light of this, developing new models with attractive styling and that are perceived as fun to drive is increasingly critical for automakers in order to retain and conquest customers as the market continues to recover."

At the top of the list are two automakers with differing approaches to customer appeal. Ford and Honda both achieved a retention rate of 62 percent, meaning those drivers chose to purchase a vehicle from the automaker again. Ford respondents widely replied that their car was fun to drive or had eye-catching styling, while proponents of Honda cited safety and high resale value.

Just behind those brands was a three-way tie between Hyundai, Toyota and Lexus, at 60 percent retention. Also of interest was Hyundai's up-and-coming Kia brand, which was able to boost its retention by a whopping 21 points in 2010, up to 58 percent.

The survey also noticed a slight shift from imports to domestics. In 2009, 10 percent of drivers made the switch from an import to an American-made brand, but 2010 saw 14 percent of drivers change brands.

Drivers who are loyal to a particular brand might be rewarded for trading their car in for a model of the same type. Many dealers offer loyalty bonuses that can amount to significant discounts. And even if an automaker's new models begin to get away from the reasons a driver chose that brand in the first place, they should keep in mind that they can likely find the features they prefer on used autos.

Ford plans U.S. version of Euro minivan

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

Ford has announced that it will return to the minivan market for the first time in four years, with plans to debut an American version of its previous European-only C-Max compact van.

With minivan sales dropping off, Ford made the decision in 2006 to discontinue the flailing Freestar model in America. Meanwhile, Europe got a small minivan known as the C-Max that was based off of the successful Focus platform.

Now, the success of small cars like the Focus and Fiesta coupled with an expected boom in the minivan market is causing Ford to bring the C-Max stateside. Ford product development chief Derrick Kuzack told Bloomberg that the automaker purposefully avoided making the car look like a "box on wheels," instead opting for the exterior styling featured on the company's more recent successes. Although smaller than competitors, the C-Max still features seating for seven and a focus on cargo space.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, minivan sales are expected to increase by 52 percent in 2012. That makes the arrival of the C-Max in late 2011 optimal for capitalizing on the rising number of families in the market for a vehicle.

Drivers who are interested in the company's earlier van models may be able to find used Ford Freestars or Windstars are their local dealer.